Licorice Root: Nature’s Secret Weapon Against Coughs and Lung Infections

Herbal Action: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, estrogenic, immunostimulating

Common Names: Licorice (American English), Liquorice (British English), Yastimadhu (Ayurveda)

Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Parts Used: Roots, underground stems, stolons

Phytonutrients in Licorice Root

Triterpenoid saponins (especially glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid) are the primary active compounds. Glycyrrhizin, present at 2–6% in the root, is responsible for its expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects, making licorice root a popular remedy for asthma. Glycyrrhizin is about 50 times sweeter than sugar and has been shown to reduce dental plaque formation, helping prevent cavities.
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative, has mild expectorant effects and notable anti-ulcer properties.
Flavonoids (flavanones, chalcones, and isoflavonoids, ~1–1.5%) provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
Phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption and may mildly increase estrogen levels.

Medicinal Uses of Licorice Root

Licorice root is most commonly used as an expectorant, helping to break up mucus in the lungs and upper respiratory tract for easier elimination. Some flavonoids in licorice have demonstrated potent expectorant effects within just three days. Licorice preparations are frequently used for laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, and other cough-related conditions.

Its demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties further support respiratory health. Some flavonoids have anti-tussive effects, reducing cough frequency by up to 80% in animal studies. This triple action—reducing cough frequency, increasing mucus clearance, and alleviating inflammation—makes licorice root an effective remedy for respiratory infections.

Additional Health Benefits

Anti-acne: Licorice root extract combats Propionibacterium acnes without promoting microbial resistance.
Asthma and allergies: Flavonoids like liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and dihydroxyflavone may help manage asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other allergies.
Cholesterol management: Licorice extracts reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides by mitigating oxidative damage.
Anti-cancer: Some compounds show potential anti-tumor activity against prostate, colon, and breast cancers via hormonal modulation and enzyme signaling. Note: Avoid combining with cisplatin due to increased kidney risk.
Dental health: Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid inhibit Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, reducing plaque and cavities.
Peptic ulcers: Licorice stimulates secretin, protecting the stomach lining and aiding ulcer healing.
Liver support: Glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin offer hepatoprotective effects against fatty liver, hepatitis C, and other liver damage.
Post-operative sore throat (POST): A licorice gargle reduces severity and incidence of POST via demulcent and anti-inflammatory effects.
Fat reduction: Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits the enzyme regulating cortisol-induced fat deposition, reducing subcutaneous fat in studies.

How to Use Licorice Root

Therapeutic use: Use dried root powder or extracts. Ensure the product contains actual licorice and is from a reputable source.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): Safe for long-term use. Chew tablets before meals to aid digestion and prevent acid reflux.
Tea: Steep a tea bag or 1 tsp of dried root in boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Add honey if desired.
Powder: For sore throats or mouth ulcers, dissolve licorice powder from capsules in water and drink slowly or swish in the mouth.
Topical: Gels or lotions with licorice extract soothe rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Contraindications

Pregnancy: Avoid; may harm fetal brain development and cause cognitive/behavioral issues.
Medical conditions: Hypokalemia, renal insufficiency, cholestatic disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertension.
Drug interactions: Avoid with thiazide/loop diuretics, cardiac glycosides, spironolactone, amiloride, corticosteroids.